Abstract for presentation at 6th World Congress on Brain Injury

A Preliminary Investigation of the Role of Sex Hormones in the Recovery from Acute Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Dr Shameran Slewa-Younan, School of Molecular & Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney & Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service, Westmead Hospital, Australia
  • Dr Ian Baguley, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service, Westmead Hospital., Australia
  • Dr Roxana Heriseanu, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service, Westmead Hospital, Australia
  • Dr Caroline Rae, School of Molecular & Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney, Australia

    • Objectives: This study aimed to provide the first Australian based investigation of the effect of sex hormones on injury severity and their impact on functional outcome at an acute time period (24 hours and 7 days from Time of Injury [TOI]) following Traumatic Brain Injury.
    Methods: All females admitted to Intensive Care Units of Westmead, Liverpool and Nepean Hospitals with non-penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury were assessed for inclusion and exclusion criteria. The person responsible for the patient was approached for informed consent. Up to 31st July 2004, 8 female subjects were admitted to the study. Blood samples were taken at Days 1 and 7 to examine levels of progesterone, oestrogen (E2), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). Injury severity and outcome were quantified using traditional measures such as Glasgow Coma Scale and Disability Rating Scale along with more physiological based measures such as Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP) and temperature.
    Results: Descriptive data will be reported due to the envisaged small sample size.
    Conclusions: The potential importance of investigating the role of sex hormones on outcome after TBI is clear indicated given the recent developments in USA where National Institute of Health funded the first human trial of Progesterone as a treatment for moderate to severe TBI. Findings will be discussed in relation to their clinical significance.

    Conference Organiser - ICMS Pty Ltd